Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/740688
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Wehadavery difficult summer. We had to send our 14-year-old son out of state to a wil- derness program because of his substance abuse, defiance and high-risk behavior. We were totally caught off guard by the substance abuse issue. We are first- generation immigrants and were not exposed to drugs growing up in our birth country. Our child spent 11 weeks at the program, during which we learned more about his behavior (drugs as well as alcohol, stealing to support his habit and so on). It was shocking and unbelievable. He worked hard to overcome this behavior and picked up a good set of coping skills. He has since transitioned to a small residential therapeutic treatment center where he will get continued help, while completing his schoolwork. When his friends (the ones we want to keep him away from), as well as other well-meaning friends, ask about him, what do I say? Right now I simply state that he is at a pri- vate school. Some accept the answer, and others continue to probe. I say that the details are not important and walk away. We as a family have gone through too much pain. All this probing only makes it worse. I want our child to choose when (and if) he wants to share his story with others. What is your advice? —PainedParents DEAR PAINED » This is your family's business, and it should be up to you to choose what you want to disclose (and to whom). One way to handle this is to be de- liberately vague, but also polite (making a statement and then walking away is impolite and may raise more questions). You can say, "'Steve' is in a boarding school that seems to be a really good fit for him and we're feeling great about his progress. Thanks for asking." If people continue to ask questions and it makes you uncomfort- able, you can say, "You are kind to care, but we're keeping things private. Why do you ask?" You may find that other parents have had similar experiences to yours; if you find other people you can open up to, they might be compassionate and helpful resources. DEAR AMY » "Homeowner" wrote to you about a po- tentially tragic accident at his home, when a toddler ended up in his pool. The parent who fished the baby out had his smartphone destroyed in the process. I liked your idea to contact the manufacturer to see if they would re- place the phone, gratis. — Fa n DEAR FAN » I figured it was worth a shot; manufacturers might find this quick-thinking act of bravery something to celebrate. Parents with troubled son do not want to disclose whereabouts You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— Express your thoughts and react graciously to criticism. Don't feel the need to do what others say, but do consider incorporat- ing suggestions that work. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You've got everything going for you, so don't falter now. Your actions should be calculated and precise, but not pretentious. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — The less you divulge about your particular views, the easier it will be to keep the peace and manipulate the situa- tion at a crucial moment. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Ulterior motives and poor information will surface if you don't take a time-out to digest what's transpiring. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Making travel plans or reuniting with old friends will lift your spirits. Self-improvement projects will make you feel good about your appearance and potential. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look for an opportunity to get ahead. Good fortune is within reach if you don't get sucked into other people's dilemmas. Protect against insult or injury. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A change will result in good fortune and new opportuni- ties. Discuss your thoughts and plans with a loved one in order to come up with a good solution and a workable plan. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — A clear mind will lead to good choices. Don't let others' actions phase you. If you follow your instincts, you will enjoy the benefits of a winning situation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't question what you need to do; just do it. It's important to put the past behind you so that you can move forward without hesitation, worry or regret. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Emotions will flare up, and restraint and discipline will be required. Find unorthodox solu- tions instead of getting angry and making matters worse. Choose love and peace over chaos. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Business or pleasure trips will give you greater insight into ways you can exploit your skills, knowledge and expertise. Mix business with pleasure in order to advance. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put everything you've got into doing the best job possible. Don't let an emotional incident make you less productive or cause damage to your reputa- tion. Be true to yourself. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, OCT. 20 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 4 B